Organic food: Bundesverband Naturkost und Naturwaren e.V. (BNN) withdraws orientation value for bromide
Bromide findings give little indication of fumigation with bromide-containing agents
June 2022. Pesticide residues in organic food can give an indication of whether pesticides were used during production, so the Bundesverband Naturkost und Naturwaren (BNN) e.V. (German Association of Organic Processors, Wholesalers and Retailers) has issued an orientation value for pesticides the assessment of organic food. For bromide, which can be used as a fumigant, an orientation value of 5 mg/kg with simultaneous consideration of the chloride/bromide ratio was previously considered as an indication of fumigation. However, current data show that an active application cannot be reliably detected in this way. Therefore, BNN has decided to no longer use this orientation value as an assessment aid, but to henceforth refer to compliance with the legal maximum levels according to Regulation (EC) No. 396/2005[1].
Use of bromide as a fumigant
Until 2010, fumigants containing bromine were used in the EU for soil disinfestation or as storage protection agents for pest control during food transport. The unstable bromide compounds decompose within a few days - bromide remains. This can then enter food as a residue. Read more about the use of methyl bromide in storage protection here.
Natural occurrence in soils and plant products
However, bromide does not always originate from the applications described above, but also occurs naturally in soil and in food of plant origin. Especially near the sea, higher concentrations can be detected in the soil. In addition, there are some foods that absorb bromide particularly efficiently from the soil. Brazil nuts are a good example. Studies, including one by Benzing et al. (2022)[2], using data from two commercial laboratories, have shown that the high concentrations of bromide found in Brazil nuts are due to the plant's special ability to take up bromide from the soil. No way could be determined from the CL/BR ratio to distinguish natural occurrence from an application made.
Analysis of bromide and fumigants in our laboratories
The Eurofins laboratories for food and feed analysis in Germany offer you the possibility to have your products analysed for bromide and a variety of other pesticides. Our experts have many years of experience in the assessment of organic food and are always available to advise you. Simply contact your personal account manager or contact our expert Sandra Kobuessen. We are looking forward to your enquiry.
Relevant Regulation
[1] Consolidated text: Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 on maximum residue levels of pesticides in or on food and feed of plant and animal origins
[2] High natural bromine concentrations in organic Brazil Nuts from Bolivia, Albrecht Benzing et al., Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, Juli 2022
